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The Holy Father Addresses Catholic Educators

Pope Benedict XVI addressed the presidents of Catholic colleges and universities as well as diocesan education officials this evening at the Catholic University of America (CUA). Upon arriving at the Edward J. Pryzbla University Center, he was greeted by Archbishop Donald Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington, Bishop William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport and chairman of the CUA Board of Trustees, and Father David O’Connell, CM, the President of CUA. Thousands of CUA students, faculty, and staff, as well as other faithful, gathered outside to welcome the Holy Father with loud cheers. The Holy Father smiled and waved to the crowds.

While waiting for the Holy Father, the educators heard several musical selections from CUA students.

In his address to the educators, Pope Benedict stressed the importance of education in spreading the Gospel. Every Catholic educational institution should be a place for encountering the living Jesus Christ. This encounter should lead to lives of Christian witness. God’s revelation points toward truth and the power of God’s truth should permeate Catholic educational institutions.

The Holy Father spoke warmly of the history of Catholic education in the United States and emphasized that the sustainability of Catholic educational institutions must be assured and that these institutions must remain accessible to people of all social and economic strata.

Pope Benedict then addressed the particular benefit that Catholic education brings to the Church and to society. Catholic universities and schools help to build a communal identity, founded in the truth revealed by Christ and finding expression in liturgy, prayer, and acts of charity and justice. While Catholic schools have engaged the intellect, they must also engage the will, inflaming the desire for true freedom which has its origin and end in God. Educational institutions must be imbued with the ecclesial life of faith.

Catholic universities and schools help to fulfill the Church’s mission to speak the truth, including in the public forum. Recognizing that faith and reason can never be at odds, speaking the truth can help to bring about consensus while never abandoning categories of right and wrong.

Truth means more than knowledge. It leads to the good and to a life-changing response. Leading young people to truth is an act of love.

Pope Benedict thanked the educators for their professionalism, dedication, and generosity. He reaffirmed the principle of academic freedom, but noted that it cannot be used to justify teaching that contradicts the faith of the Church. Inside and outside the classroom, Catholic educational institutions must provide formation in Catholic doctrine and practice.

The Holy Father offered special encouragement to teachers of catechesis and encouraged religious orders not to abandon their commitment to schools, especially in poorer areas.

Pope Benedict closed his talk with words of inspiration: “Bear witness to hope. Nourish your witness with prayer. Account for the hope that characterizes your lives (cf. 1 Pet 3:15) by living the truth which you propose to your students. Help them to know and love the One you have encountered, whose truth and goodness you have experienced with joy.”

The educators greeted the Holy Father’s address with a standing ovation.